sich befinden
Translation
to be located, to be situated, to find oneself, to be
Examples
Das Hotel befand sich direkt am Meer.
The hotel was located directly by the sea.
Er befand sich in großer Gefahr.
He was in great danger.
Grammar Patterns
sich ((at/on/in sth.)) to be located at/on/in sth. Das Museum befindet sich im Stadtzentrum.
sich ((in sth.)) to be in a state/condition Er befindet sich in einer schwierigen Lage.
Similar Words
sein (to be), liegen (to lie), stehen (to stand)
Etymology
From the prefix 'be-' and 'finden' (to find). It literally means 'to find oneself' in a certain place or state.
Memory Tips
To say where something is, think about where you would 'find' it. 'Das Buch befindet sich auf dem Tisch' (The book is found on the table).